It is among the most familiar patterns of the Trump era.
First, Trump says or does something weird, rude or otherwise norm-defying. Some elected Republicans object, and the response from Trump and his minions is to shoot the messenger. The dynamic holds constant whether it’s big (Jan. 6 pardons) or small (tweeting “covfefe” just after midnight).
The essence of this low-road-for-me-high-road-for-thee dynamic rests on the belief that Trumpism is a one-way road. Insulting Trump, deservedly or not, is forbidden, while Trump’s antics should be celebrated when possible, defended when necessary, or ignored when neither of those responses is possible. But he should never, ever face consequences for his own actions.
This was the week Trump’s routine went global.
I agree with everything you said, which is why I added that every single one of you know someone who approves of what is happening. Legal retaliation can only take us so far. But it needs to happen for the high profile turds. The generic pieces of shit that you live in proximity to need to be dealt with by the public. Maybe it’s time to make grandpa take his stupid octogenarian ass to the doctor himself because gas is too expensive to waste on his idiocy anymore.